The CBA Informatique medical tent: an indispensable part of bivouac life
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Around the rally
Every evening at the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc bivouac, the same ritual can be observed. A number of Gazelles make their way to the CBA Informatique tent to tend to their cuts and bruises. Five doctors, a nurse and two physiotherapists are there to welcome them.
This small consultation centre is there to deal with all the medical and health imponderables of the Rallye. The doctors have all the necessary equipment to quickly take care of the various competition-related accidents and pathologies of daily life. Most of the Gazelles visit the CBA Informatique medical tent for minor problems such as colds and gastro.
The team receives about 40 people every day, who also come to see the physiotherapists, such as Olivier Laplume, volunteer at the event for the 6th time. “We’re here for trauma, sprains and especially back problems, pains related to driving in the desert. It is a type of driving that is extremely physically demanding, between the dryness and the temperatures and also because of all the shocks the body is subjected to all day.” Every day Olivier manages cervical problems caused by the jolts of the 4×4 and the weight of the helmet, which they’re not used to wearing. “The idea is to provide relief and help them as much as we can so they can continue the competition the following day.”
He and the other doctors are also there for prevention, especially when it comes to dehydration. “We hammer into them the need to drink 2 to 3 litres of water per day. The idea is to help the Gazelles make it to the end of the adventure by helping them look after themselves and their minor aches and pains. Our working conditions are completely atypical, it’s quite incredible, it’s quite a change from the protected, sterile environments we’re used to working in every day.”
The members of the team sometimes play the role of psychologists: “A large part of our work consists of moral support. They need a moment to think of themselves and be comforted before leaving. Very often, the Gazelles come just to ask our opinion or to make sure that everything is fine.”
For its part, CBA Informatique, event partner, is committed to the Rallye and Cœur de Gazelles at different levels. As the nurse’s daily companion, CBA has always worked for the female cause and been a staunch supporter of women’s rights. And for good reason: 80% of their clients are women. The company has created software to facilitate the work of freelance nurses.
